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AUSTRALIA'S first free public hospital service, the much-maligned Queensland health system, will make foreign and insured patients pay more for their care from next year. After a damaging inquiry and independent review forced sweeping reforms and a multi-billion-dollar injection of funds, the Bligh government has turned its attention to cost recovery.

One of the few revenue increases in yesterday's budget came from a review of health fees and charges, resulting in changes that will tip a further $3.6 million into Treasury coffers next year, rising to $8.1m in 2012-13.

Accommodation and theatre fees will increase 12.1 per cent for overseas visitors and the third-party insured, such as those with private health insurance or motor accident cover, to better reflect the cost of delivering the service. Outpatient charges will increase from $69 to $255, while emergency department consultation charges will go from a $185.50 fee, to a sliding scale ranging from $189 to $764 depending on the condition or complaint -- the two measures expected to be the biggest money spinners. Private patients who want a single room in a public hospital will also pay more, that charge rising from $475.50 to $578, in line with other jurisdictions.

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Treasurer Andrew Fraser defended the move saying, "All governments around Australia, and indeed around the world, face the challenge of providing a sustainable health system. I think it is completely reasonable for those patients which are being treated privately, in a public hospital, and who elect to have a single room, that they pay the costs that are required in order to have that room as is the case in other states."